Looking for an honest Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. Both products score nearly identically (58/100 vs 56/100) — this is a genuine toss-up that hinges on which specs matter most for your use case. The widest gap is in camera quality, where the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G by 29% ($199.99 vs $258.69), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are closely matched smartphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (58 vs 56). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Samsung
$200
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" | 6.8"✓ |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | — | 1750nits |
| HDR | — | HDR10+ |
| Protection | — | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 | Snapdragon 888 |
| CPU | Octa-core 2.4 GHz | Octa-core 2.9 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-G78 MP14 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB✓ | 128GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 108MP✓ |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| OIS | — | Yes |
| Zoom | — | 10x optical |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 40MP✓ |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 25W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | — | 15W |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| NFC | — | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| Water Resistance | — | IP68 |
| Biometrics | — | Under-display fingerprint |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 74.8 x 8.4 mm | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 210g✓ | 228g |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Pink | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Navy, Phantom Brown |
| Price | 199.99$✓ | 258.69$ |
Buy Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if…
The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if…
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are closely matched smartphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (58 vs 56). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Both products score similarly — it depends on your priorities.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is cheaper at $199.99 vs $258.69 for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Both have the same 5000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (108MP vs 50MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is lighter at 210g vs 228g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.